best father ever

The best father of all time? That’s an easy one: Atticus Finch, as played by Gregory Peck in Harper Lee’s “To Kill a Mockingbird.”

Remember the movie? Peck’s character is kind, patient, loving, principled and all around awesome. Simply put, he’s the kind of dad I’ve always wanted to be but wasn’t.

If you’re a father and have seen the movie you know what I mean. If I’m honest, even on my best days I couldn’t hold a candle to Atticus. When it comes to dads, he’s the bomb.

Well, let me clarify that last statement: He’s the best when it comes to human beings. The ultimate role model is, of course, our heavenly Father.

In fact, here are seven reasons why our Father in heaven is—and will always be—the all-time champ when it comes parenting.

1.      He loves us

“How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God!”1

2.      He saves us

“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.”2

3.      He forgives us

“For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.”3

4.      He has fellowship with us

“We proclaim to you what we have seen and heard, so that you also may have fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ.”4

5.      He meets our needs

“So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”5

6.      He comforts us in all our troubles

“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles.”6

7.      He has blessed our socks off

“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ.”7

So there it is: The “w” goes to our heavenly Father, hands down. While I love and respect you, Atticus, the Creator of the universe goes home with the prize.

The best Father of all time? I change my answer. My Father in heaven is my main man.

1  1 John 3:1

2  1 Peter 1:3

3  Matt 6:14

4  1 John 1:3

5  Matt 6:30-33

6  2 Cor 1:3

7  Eph 1:3